How to Open and Import MSG Files into Outlook 365 in 2026

“Our organization has been operating on MS Outlook for so long, and so we have like 1000s of MSG files. But now we need to export those files to Outlook Web App (Outlook 365). However, we find it quite difficult and don’t know where to begin. Each file is very important and contains crucial data, so we need a secure migration solution.”

-Camille Alfredo, Florida, USA

Summary: Like OST and PST, MSG is also a primary format of MS Outlook used to store individual mail messages. It contains attachments, body content, and metadata. Though it is accessible with Outlook, accessing it on the web Outlook isn’t easy. Also, migrating data to the cloud has become challenging for users with archived emails, legal evidence, exported messages, or client communications. Hence, this guide explains simplified ways to import MSG files into Outlook 365, free or with the dedicated MSG Converter for best results.

Why Import MSG Emails into Outlook 365?

Several scenarios demand that you add MSG files to Outlook 365, depending on their use. These are:

  • First, Office 365 ensures better data security against theft and other losses.
  • It is necessary to ensure all data is organized and kept in a single space.
  • Transfer of on-premises data over a cloud platform can be a cause.
  • This helps ease the administrator’s task with quick search and log access.
  • Several retention and data policies can be applied for better outcomes.
  • Helps restore archived emails and consolidate multiple backups together. 
  • Prepare for M365 migration or import legal and compliance records. 
  • Moreover, accessing messages on other platforms and devices also becomes easy.

Understanding this helps decide the right decision, but you must consider the difficulties simultaneously. 

Common Issues During Import With Solutions

  • Outlook Frozen? (Large Files/Low Memory/Corrupt Profile)

>> Import small file batches or repair your MS Outlook profile. 

  • Missed Attachments? (Damaged message files)

>> Verify your files before proceeding. 

  • Emails Duplicated? (Multiple uploads)

>> Use trusted software with a deduplication option. 

  • Slow Outlook Performance? (Increased indexing in mailbox due to large import)

>> Let Outlook complete indexing or use a third-party software for the import.

Ideal Approaches to Import MSG Files into Outlook 365

If you need to store data from message files for the long term, importing to the cloud is your best choice. Now, to execute this import, you need reliable solutions, like a manual method or a MSG File Converter Tool. We have explained both of them briefly in this section of the guide. Explore them, apply them, and transfer your MSG files to Outlook 365 with ease.

Cost-Free Export MSG into Outlook

Follow the simplified steps below to directly access the message emails within your Outlook desktop:

  1. Run MS Outlook desktop and connect it to your Office 365 Exchange account.
  2. Then, create a New Folder in your Outlook desktop for the MSG files.
  3. Find the message (.msg) files or folder saved on the local computer.
  4. Select one or all, hold them, and drag and drop them into the new Outlook folder.
  5. Further, wait until Outlook completes the mailbox sync after the upload.
  6. Finally, open your Outlook Web App to cross-verify if the email messages are present there.

It is not new that any free method works without a few loopholes. So, let’s find out what falls short for these methods.

Loopholes of the Method

  • Relies heavily on desktop Outlook synced to an Office 365 Exchange account.
  • It is possible that the data is duplicated or not transferred into Outlook 365. 
  • Unsuitable for the import of bulk MSG files while maintaining data confidentiality and integrity.
  • MSG files may not be supported for all Microsoft Outlook versions.
  • No automatic email recreation, and often the data is not visible. 

So, to avoid all these limitations and convert MSG files to PST for easy access, a professional tool prevails. Continue below to find out all about it.

Risk-Free Import MSG Files into Outlook 365

SysInfo MSG Converter Tool is your ideal go-to solution for secure, speedy, and efficient migrations. It doesn’t require Outlook installation and can smoothly migrate data instantly to Office 365 or any other client. Additionally, users can convert MSG to PDF, EML, EMLX, MBOX, and more. With compatibility for both Windows and Mac OS, it ensures data integrity and folder structure is preserved during MSG file conversions and import. If required, first try out the trial version to test the software and migrate a few messages for free.

Steps to Open MSG Files in Outlook 365

  1. Launch the MSG Importer and click the Next button to proceed.
  2. Then, select and upload the MSG files to import and tap Next.
  3. Further, pick the specific folders after preview and click Next.
  4. Afterward, choose PST to save your emails in bulk and access them in Outlook 365 via desktop. 
  5. Or, pick Office 365 and sign in for direct uploads and access in Outlook Web App.
  6. Finally, pick the filters to apply before the import and hit Convert. 

It is that simple, quick, and streamlined without hampering or losing the crucial data.

Why This MSG File Converter For Large Imports?

  • Import complete folders with full data and structure fidelity 
  • You can directly save as PST or transfer to Office 365. 
  • Import MSG to Yahoo Mail and other clients for cross-platform access. 
  • Allows email preview and content verification on the web too. 
  • Support selective migration with advanced and smart filtering. 
  • Generate reports of the import process for analysis. 

Enterprise Use Case:

In order to facilitate compliance audits, a mid-sized legal advisory firm attempted to recover over 75,000 archived MSG email files into Outlook 365. The firm’s technical team used the SysInfo MSG to Outlook 365 Import Tool to facilitate the transfer of emails instead of conducting repetitive drag-and-drop procedures in Outlook. The entire operation took place in minimal time without intervention, and everything was retained intact with no complexities.

Final Remarks 

Anyone trying to manage their historical archives, a large pool of emails, legacy Outlook data, or critical email communications must ensure secure import solutions. Here, we discussed how individuals and enterprises can import MSG files into Outlook 365 manually without spending a penny with desktop Outlook. Also, we discussed how having an expert, trusted SysInfo MSG Converter Software makes a difference. Based on your mailbox size and complexity, and the solution you opt for, you can integrate MSG files into Outlook 365 without compromising the integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I import multiple MSG files into Outlook 365 at once?

Ans. Yes, of course for import of multiple MSG files in bulk, use the dedicated MSG Conversion Tool. It will move everything as PST or into Office 365 for direct access in Outlook 365 at the same time. 

Q2. Is there a way to add MSG files to Outlook 365 without losing formatting?

Ans. If you do not want to lose your formatting during the import of MSG files to your Outlook 365 mailbox, ensure using a remarkable software solution with a guarantee for metadata preservation.

Q3. Can I import MSG files into Outlook 365 without Microsoft Exchange?

Ans. Yes, the MSG to Outlook 365 Importer by SysInfo is a standalone utility and doesn’t require you to have Outlook or M365 Exchange access for the import.

Q4. Can I import MSG files into a new Outlook profile?

Ans. You must first create a new Outlook profile before importing the MSG files manually. However, with the software, you can save them in PST and access them with any Outlook profile with ease.

Q5. How to import MSG files into Outlook Web App (OWA)?

Ans. Use drag and drop or the MSG to Outlook 365 Converter for the import of MSG files. Both methods make it possible with their own advantages and limitations.

Q6. Will imported MSG emails keep their attachments and embedded images?

Ans. Yes, if you have used the advanced MSG File Converter Software, then all your email attachments and embedded images are retained exactly the same.

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About The Author:

Suman Rawat is a technical content writer and expert in the fields of email migration, data recovery, and email backup. Her passion for helping people has led her to resolve many user queries related to data conversion and cloud backup.

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